Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026

Written Answers Nos. 286-306

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Schools Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (288)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

288. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the urgent funding options that are available or are being considered to address the roofing defects in a primary school (details supplied) in county Clare; if she will confirm whether the roof repairs are currently on the relevant remedial works list; and if so, the expected timeline for assessment and completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66771/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

I refer to your recent representation on of Boston National School in relation to funding under the Emergency Works Scheme.

The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.

An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.

The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.

The school in question submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for roof works. As previously noted, the EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit a revised scope of works with an accompanying itemised cost breakdown. Once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.

With regards to the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, the purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.

My Department can confirm a CASWS application for roof works was received from the school, however the school was not on the list of approvals in the first tranche announced for 2026. This application is still valid and will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years. It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be announced in October 2026.

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (289)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

289. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the date on which the junior cert results will be released. [66825/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of State examinations including scheduling the date of issue of Junior Cycle results. I am advised that the date is in line with the timeline for 2025, when results were issued on Wednesday 8 October, and I understand that the SEC will communicate the specific date to schools this week.

In view of this, I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with the detail requested.

Schools Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (290)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

290. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on new build and refurbishment works for a school (details supplied); if her Department's review is complete; and if this project will be prioritised given works have been delayed for over a decade and are desperately needed. [66807/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is a large scale capital project for the construction of a new extension and the refurbishment of existing facilities to accommodate 1,000 pupils, including provision for Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms.

More than four years has elapsed since the publication of the contract notice and more than two years since the tender submission deadline. Given the passage of time since tenders were returned and the unacceptably high risk that the contract may not successfully be delivered within budget, the ETB were instructed to collapse the tender procedure in July 2025.

Phase 1 of the project is currently being delivered under my department's Modular Framework to deliver 9 general classrooms and 2 specialist classrooms. This also includes the repurposing of part of the existing accommodation to include classrooms for children with Special Educational Needs in the interim.

The Deputy will be aware that a total capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth has been confirmed for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.

As part of the NDP Implementation Plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. Prioritisation will continue to identify further tranches of projects to proceed to tender and construction over the NDP period, with stakeholder consultation ongoing.

It is in this context that any future project for the school in question will be considered, and I can assure the deputy that department officials have been in contact with the patron in relation to this matter.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (291)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

291. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the development of the Youth Workforce Development Strategy; the number of submissions that were received to the consultation process; and the timelines for development of a strategy. [66822/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The strategic framework for the youth work sector, Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028, commits to producing a Workforce Development Strategy, to include consideration of training needs and the requirement for high-quality, accessible and inclusive youth work services and opportunities.

To date, the department has engaged extensively with youth workers, youth services and youth organisations to establish baseline data and information. This engagement was carried out through a workforce survey for youth workers and a workforce questionnaire for employers, followed by three online consultations and eight in-person consultations throughout the country. Representatives of the youth work sector and other key stakeholders were also offered the opportunity to make a submission following the consultation process. Three submissions were received.

The department is currently engaging with the National Youth Council of Ireland to establish the Workforce Advisory Group. This group, which will include representatives from across the sector will work with the department to prepare the Workforce Development Strategy and support the implementation of the Strategy over the coming years.

Officials will continue to engage with the youth sector throughout the development of the Workforce Strategy.

Youth Services

Ceisteanna (292)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

292. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the meetings she has had with her Ministerial colleagues over the summer on the resources, services and supports for children and young people that are needed to ensure youth services are available in communities. [66821/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

I am committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to high-quality youth services and supports in their communities.

I and officials in my department continue to engage with ministerial colleagues and their departments on matters affecting children and young people. This engagement takes place on an ongoing basis through a range of fora, including bilateral discussions and established cross-Government structures, reflecting the shared responsibilities across Government for improving outcomes for young people.

Earlier this month, the first meeting of the Youth Sector Interdepartmental/Interagency group established by my department under Action 2 of Opportunities for Youth:, the national strategy for youth work and related services, took place. Departments and State organisations that fund or interact with the youth sector met to discuss areas of mutual policy interest, share current sector supports and consider future actions. The purpose of this group is to bring greater alignment across the membership with an overarching aim to develop a renewed and whole-of-government vision for the role of State-funded youth work services.

The resourcing of youth services also forms part of my department’s ongoing engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation through the annual Estimates process.

I will continue to work with colleagues across Government to support the development and resourcing of youth services and to ensure that appropriate supports are available to children and young people in communities throughout the country.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (293)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

293. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the review of the UBU scheme undertaken by her Department; the stage the review is at; if her Department has captured stakeholder insights; if evidence-based recommendations to inform future scheme enhancements will be made; and when the review will be published. [66820/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.

The UBU scheme is a youth funding scheme that targets young people aged between 10 to 24 who are identified as marginalised, vulnerable and at risk of not flourishing. The UBU scheme now provides funding to 258 targeted youth services across the 16 education and training boards (ETBs) that coordinate delivery of funding to the services in their local ETB areas.

There is a commitment to review the UBU Your Place Your Space (UBU) scheme under Action 8 of the national strategy for youth work and related services, Opportunities for Youth (OfY), which was published in September 2024.

The purpose of the review is to assess the extent to which the UBU scheme is achieving its policy objectives and to determine whether changes to its operational arrangements are required to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of its target groups.

During the consultation phase of OfY and in feedback received by the Department, the cumbersome nature of the processes involved in UBU administration was a strong theme from stakeholders. Accordingly, an initial exercise is focussing on procedure.

The Youth Affairs Unit has been working closely with the Business Process Improvement (BPI) Unit to undertake a comprehensive scoping exercise of the scheme’s operating processes.

Engagement with key stakeholders has been a central element of this work. In 2026, the department engaged?with ETBs and youth service providers for their input into the scheme’s operations. This collaborative effort resulted in a more streamlined application process being introduced in time for Cycle 3 of the UBU scheme in 2027, including the introduction of an online application form.

The department will continue to engage with ETBs and youth service providers to gather detailed feedback on the scheme’s operation. Separately, consideration is being given to the review of the more qualitative aspects of UBU, and it is planned that this will commence in 2026. The work carried out to date will provide useful evidence to support the review and inform any future improvements to the scheme’s operation and effectiveness.

Departmental Reviews

Ceisteanna (294)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

294. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide details on research that is currently being funded by her Department in respect of youth work and youth affairs. [66819/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The Department of Education and Youth recognises the importance of a strong evidence base to inform youth policy and practice. Under Action 16 of Opportunities for Youth, the national policy framework for youth work, the department committed to "establish a funding line and national-level mechanism to support an enhanced evidence base in respect of key policy and practice issues affecting youth work." The need for enhanced research and improved evidence to support policy development and service delivery was raised throughout the consultation process for the policy framework, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that research aligns with national priorities for youth work.

In this context, the department is currently supporting a number of research initiatives in the youth affairs area.

In partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta, the department is currently seeking suitably qualified parties to undertake an evidence-informed action research project examining the Irish Language Youth Work Pilot being delivered by Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB and Kerry ETB. The project is a collaborative initiative involving Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, Kerry ETB, Muintearas, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Department of Education and Youth.

The research programme will involve An Oibrí Óige and other youth work practitioners undertaking a process evaluation of local projects using a common methodology across Gaeltacht case-study sites in North Mayo (Gaeltacht Iorras) and Kerry (Corca Dhuibhne and Uíbh Ráthach). The research will document and evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the benefits, achievements, challenges and outcomes arising from the engagement between youth workers and Irish-speaking young people and their families over a three-year funding cycle. The evaluation framework will examine the extent to which young people enjoy and benefit from the interventions, including their social and personal development outcomes, and the extent to which they engage with youth work supports through the Irish language. The findings will contribute to the development of youth work and Irish language policy and practice.

The department is also working with Maynooth University on the Measuring the Impact of Youth Organisations (MIYO) project within the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative (TYESI). TYESI seeks to enhance the employability skills and competencies of young people through youth work. The MIYO project has developed an automated outcomes tracking system, incorporating an online survey tool and visual reporting dashboard, to assist youth workers, ETBs and the Department in measuring and tracking outcomes over time. The tool enables participating young people to record their progress from entry to a programme onwards and measures development across seven key outcome areas: communication skills; confidence and agency; planning and problem-solving; relationships; resilience and determination; emotional intelligence; and innovative thinking. The project is intended to strengthen the evidence base regarding the contribution of youth work interventions to young people's personal development and employability.

In addition, a research project entitled Responding to Youth Social Withdrawal: An Exploration of Youth Work as an Intervention Strategy was completed earlier this year. The research, funded by the department, was undertaken by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the University of Galway in collaboration with Galway and Roscommon ETB and Limerick and Clare ETB.

The study examined the growing issue of youth social withdrawal and explored the role of youth work as an early intervention and support mechanism. The findings indicate that youth work provides a safe, informal and relationship-based environment that supports the gradual re-engagement of socially withdrawn young people. The research identified a number of strengths of youth work practice, including the development of trusting relationships, the provision of safe and youth-friendly spaces, tailored and youth-led programming, and opportunities for peer connection. The study also highlighted challenges including funding pressures, staffing constraints and limited access to dedicated youth spaces.

A significant feature of the project was the involvement of a Youth Advisory Committee comprising 12 young people with lived experience of social withdrawal, who contributed throughout the research process. The study concluded that youth work represents a valuable community-based intervention for socially withdrawn young people and identified a number of policy considerations, including the need for sustained investment in youth work services, enhanced youth infrastructure, greater public awareness of youth work, and further research to strengthen the evidence base in this area.

Through these initiatives, the department continues to support the development of research and evidence to inform youth policy, programme development and service delivery.

EU Presidency

Ceisteanna (295)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

295. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the grants that are being made available under her Department to support activities and initiatives under the EU Presidency. [66818/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

My department is planning to establish a Presidency small grant initiative to youth services and youth clubs during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Youth services and youth clubs currently in receipt of funding through existing department funding mechanisms such as the Local Youth Club Grants Scheme, Youth Information services and UBU your place your space, will be eligible to apply. My department will work with Education and Training Boards (ETBs), to establish and administer this initiative.

The grants will support young people in youth services and clubs to develop projects exploring the theme of information and constructive dialogue. This theme aligns with youth goal 4 in the EU Youth Strategy, which is the youth goal agreed with Lithuania and Greece who make up Ireland's EU Presidency Trio. My department is currently finalising plans for this initiative.

My department is also supporting ETBI and Léargas to each host a Presidency event focused on the positive role Youth Work has in the lives of young people.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (296)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

296. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she can advise on when the new set of actions for Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 – 2028 will be published given the current set are due to end at the end of 2026. [66817/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The national strategy for youth work and related services, Opportunities for Youth (OfY), was published in September 2024. The implementation of OfY will be reported on via the Young Ireland governance structures, including the Young Ireland Advisory Council and the Children and Young People’s Policy Forum.

To deliver on its vision, OfY identifies three strategic objectives that will shape the future direction for youth work opportunities and services over the lifetime of the Young Ireland framework.

Strategic Objective 1: The role of youth work services in enhancing the lives of young people is strengthened, more visible and better aligned with other services.

Strategic Objective 2: An equality and rights-based approach is embedded across all youth work services and supporting structures.

Strategic Objective 3: Youth work services are high quality, accountable, sustainable and shaped by relevant data and evidence.

The strategy was informed by extensive consultations with young people and other stakeholders, which is reflected in its scope and ambition.

Since publication, work on the delivery of many of the 18 actions has been progressed by the department and by the youth sector. An action plan has been prepared for publication to capture the work done to date and for delivery in 2026. Further consultation on this draft with key stakeholders including the National Youth Council of Ireland and their membership, has taken place in anticipation of it being published in October this year.

The implementation of the new set of actions for Opportunities for Youth will be supported through a new National Youth Sector Reference Group (NYSRG) as well as a group comprising representatives from departments and agencies that provide funding to or interact with the youth sector (Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services).

Earlier this month, the first meeting of the Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services took place. Departments and State organisations that fund or interact with the youth sector met to discuss areas of mutual policy interest, share current sector supports and consider future actions. The purpose of this group is to bring greater alignment across the membership with an overarching aim to develop a renewed and whole-of-government vision for the role of State-funded youth work services.

Once established, the NYSRG’s purpose is to provide balanced and transparent input from across the youth sector into national decision-making. The group will include representatives from national youth organisations, youth work experts, and young people themselves.

The NYSRG will be an important platform for the delivery of the current suite of OfY actions, and for the development of actions for 2027-2028. It is intended that this group will also engage with the Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services, to inform national decision making.

In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million supports existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This investment supports the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 - 2028 and reflects a strong commitment to ensuring all young people can access high-quality, inclusive supports in their communities.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (297)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she can provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 – 2028. [66816/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services is the strategic framework for the youth work sector, published in September 2024. The purpose of the strategy is to provide a platform for an effective, data-driven, and comprehensive approach to the delivery of youth work and related services.

The implementation of the strategy will be reported on via the Young Ireland governance structures. The implementation of this strategy and the cooperation of all relevant actors will be supported via a new National Youth Sector Reference Group, as well as a group with representatives from departments and agencies that provide funding to or interact with the youth sector.

My officials have drafted an implementation plan to support the delivery of the strategy. Work is progressing on delivery of several of the actions for which my department has lead responsibility.

Under Action 7, to produce a Workforce Development Strategy, the department has engaged extensively with youth workers, youth services and youth organisations to establish baseline data and information. This engagement was carried out through a workforce survey for youth workers and a workforce questionnaire for employers, followed by three online consultations and eight in-person consultations throughout the country. Representatives of the youth work sector and other key stakeholders were also offered the opportunity to make a submission following the consultation process. Three submissions were received. The department is currently engaging with the National Youth Council of Ireland to establish the Workforce Advisory Group. This group, which will include representatives from across the sector will work with the department to prepare the Workforce Development Strategy and support the implementation of the Strategy over the coming years. Officials will continue to engage with the youth sector throughout the development of the Workforce Strategy.

Under Action 8, my officials have commenced a review of the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. The review is to assess how the scheme operates, the extent to which the scheme is meeting its objectives, and whether the processes and procedures that underpin the scheme are fit for purpose. As an initial phase, my department undertook a comprehensive scoping exercise of the UBU scheme’s operating processes. Engagement with key stakeholders has been a central element of this work. In 2026, the department engaged?with ETBs and youth service providers for their input into the scheme’s operations. This collaborative effort resulted in a more streamlined application process being introduced in time for Cycle 3 of the UBU scheme in 2027, including the introduction of an online application form.

The department will continue to engage with ETBs and youth service providers to gather detailed feedback on the scheme’s operation. Separately, consideration is being given to the review of the more qualitative aspects of UBU, and it is planned that this will commence in 2026. The work carried out to date will provide useful evidence to support the review and inform any future improvements to the scheme’s operation and effectiveness.

Under Action 9, YouthMap Ireland was launched in September 2026. YouthMap Ireland, available at www.youthmapireland.ie is a new interactive online map designed to help young people, families, educators and communities easily find youth clubs, services, projects and organisations in their local area. It is the first comprehensive national map of youth work and related services in Ireland. The platform was developed with input from young people through consultation and user testing, helping to ensure that it is accessible, user-friendly and responsive to their needs. The publicly accessible platform allows users to search for youth clubs and youth services nationwide and provides information including service locations, contact details, websites, facilities and accessibility information.

In Budget 2025, an additional €1.2 million was allocated for the establishment of ten new UBU services which will provide targeted youth worker-led support for up to 1,000 young people where they are most needed.

Each ETB was invited to make a submission for one new UBU service in their area.

Following a competitive assessment process, the ten locations that secured funding for a new UBU service were as follows:

· Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath

· Laois Rural – UBU Laois Connect (including Mountmellick/Dangans/ Mountrath and Rathdowney), Co. Laois

· East Donegal/South Central Donegal (including Lifford, Stranorlar, Raphoe, Ballindrait, Castlefinn, Killygordon), Co. Donegal

· Carrick on Súir, Co Tipperary

· Johnstown and Urlingford (North Kilkenny), Co. Kilkenny

· Monaghan Town, Co Monaghan

· Deeside Region, Co. Louth/Co. Meath

· Castlebar and Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

· Greater Kenmare, Co. Kerry

· Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (298)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

298. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which schools engage with CAMHS and other relevant professionals when a child with additional needs is experiencing significant emotional distress and difficulty accessing school; and if there is guidance around facilitating an interagency approach in such circumstances. [66905/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.

I would like to take this opportunity to outline the role of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). All schools have access to:

• General support and advice from an educational psychologist in NEPS, either through the school’s assigned psychologist or through the NEPS Advisory Support Service.

• Support from an educational psychologist in NEPS in the event of a Critical Incident.

• National and Regional Support and Development service for school staff which focuses on building the capacity of school staff.

• Access for individual casework where a priority need is established to either an educational psychologist in NEPS or a private educational psychologist on the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) panel.

NEPS does not operate waiting lists. In common with other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS operates on a consultative model of service with assessments only one aspect of the NEPS service.

NEPS encourages schools to support children and young people using the Continuum of Support, whereby school staff use a problem-solving approach, including school screening (assessment) and evidence-based intervention, for children and young people experiencing difficulties in the school context. The response to intervention is monitored and recorded in the Student Support File. The teachers, parents and child are involved in this process. Under this model, a diagnosis is not required for a child or young person to access supports that can be implemented at school level in mainstream classes, such as special education teaching support and special needs assistant support.

If a school has concerns that a child or young person is not making reasonable progress following evidence informed support and intervention, the school may prioritise the involvement of NEPS to support the identification of need process.

As a school-based service, requests for NEPS involvement must be made by the school principal or other designated staff member by contacting their assigned psychologist or the NEPS Advisory Service for schools temporarily without an assigned educational psychologist. Where a student has been involved with other services such as CAMHS, with parental consent, NEPS may contact those services to inform the casework.

With regard to an interagency approach my department has built strong links with the Department of Health to explore ways to improve supports for children and young people more broadly, including around increasing awareness, promoting help-seeking behaviour, school staff training, and signposting the wide range of services available to children and young people.

My department has also been working closely with the Department of Health and the HSE to agree a protocol to facilitate referral pathways to local services, on foot of Recommendation 10 of the HSE’s mental health policy Sharing the Vision. This collaboration will assist in the creation of a Single Point of Access to mental health services for children and young people as per the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office Action Plan.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (299)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Ceist:

299. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a progress update on the construction of the new school building (details supplied); the current status of the works following commencement; and the expected structural completion and opening dates. [66970/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The brief for the project referred to by the Deputy is to provide a new permanent school building for the school. This project is designed to be delivered in 2 phases; Phase 1 will deliver accommodation for 425 students and Phase 2 will deliver the remaining accommodation to provide for a Long Term Projected Enrolment of 1,000 students, at the former Magee Barracks site in Kildare.

The project is currently at Stage 4 - Construction. The Department gave authorisation to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) on 7th May 2026 to the successful tenderer. Construction commenced on site on 19th June 2026.

The build is on programme with an expected handover date for Phase 1 in September 2027 and expected handover of Phase 2 in Quarter 1 2028 with expected substantial completion of the project scheduled for Quarter 1 2028.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (300)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

300. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure a school transport place is provided for a pupil (details supplied). [66994/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. 

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.  

Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.

Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible pupils.  In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann have advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are attending different schools. The first sibling is not eligible for school transport as they are attending their second closest school/centre. An application for transport was received on time for the 2026/27 school year however they were  unsuccessful in obtaining a seat and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.

Bus Éireann have advised that the second sibling referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport and has been accommodated on board a service for the 2026/27 school year.

It is important to note that all seats on a given route are ticketed. There can be instances where tickets are not utilised every day, which is a decision of the ticket holder that can give the impression that a bus is operating with vacant seats.

In the first instance, it is the responsibility of ticket holders to utilise their tickets. While there is no obligation, families are welcome to return their tickets at any stage in cases where they are not using the service as originally intended. Bus Éireann will contact families should a spare seat become available following the return of a ticket that is no longer required.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (301)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

301. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school in County Kerry (details supplied) will be successful in their appeal for a much needed special needs assistant position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66984/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. 

Special needs assistants (SNA)s play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools. They help ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

SNA posts are allocated to schools as a school-based resource. Principals/boards of management deploy SNAs within schools to meet the care support requirements of the students enrolled whom SNA support has been allocated. This provides schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised. 

In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy the NCSE have advised my department that the school previously appealed their SNA allocation and received an outcome that the SNA allocation in the school was deemed to be sufficient to support the students.

If a school has a concern with either their SNA allocation for the 2026/27 school year or the outcome of a SNA review/appeal, they should discuss the matter with their NCSE Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO).

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation as to where new specialist provision is required.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (302)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

302. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth when school transport will be arranged for three children with additional needs, two of whom have been unable to attend a single day of the 2026/2027 school year due to the absence of transport arrangements, while the third is reliant on a taxi service that is not consistently available; the reasons transport arrangements were not put in place prior to the commencement of the school year; why parents were not informed of potential delays when applying for and subsequently being approved for school transport; and the measures being taken to ensure these children can access their education. [67049/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors. The procurement of services can take a number of weeks.

In relation to the cases raised by the Deputy I wish to advise the following:

• the services for the first two children are currently in the procurement process. The families will be contacted once contractors have been sourced.

• the service for the third child commenced on 01 September 2026.

Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts. The families referred to by the Deputy have all been provided with information relating to this grant.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (303)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

303. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the school transport case of a person (details supplied); if she is aware that three children have been unable to secure school bus transport despite reported available capacity on relevant routes; if she will engage with Bus Éireann regarding the allocation of seats and route eligibility; and if she will provide an update on the application and arrangements for the children concerned. [67048/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. 

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.  

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to are not eligible for transport from their home as they are not attending their nearest schools, however the family have now been scheduled for the service referred to by the Deputy if they make a payment on their account in order to release these tickets.

Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.

Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible pupils. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Teacher Training

Ceisteanna (304)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Ceist:

304. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to expand the DEY funded eight week block courses for teacher professional learning in inclusive and special education. [67013/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

On an annual basis, the Department provides funding for two distinct categories of post-graduate programmes for Special Education Teachers:

• Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Teacher Professional Learning for Special Education Teachers.

• Graduate Certificate in Autism Education for teachers working with Autistic Pupils in Special Schools, Special Classes or as Special Education Teachers in mainstream Primary and Post-Primary Schools.

The aim is to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for teachers working with students with special educational needs, contributing to the school’s overall capacity to meet the needs of pupils with special education needs, including autism.

There are six publicly funded HEI providers of the post-graduate diploma programmes:

Dublin City University; University College Dublin; Mary Immaculate College; University of Galway; ATU St Angela’s, Sligo and University College Cork

The programmes are of one academic year’s duration with a total of eight weeks’ release from schools/centres for attendance at the relevant programme venue and the remainder of the year will involve teaching in participants’ own educational settings.

The programmes are delivered in a blended model through on campus learning, teaching in their own educational settings and occasional online and weekend participation.

Substitution, which must be approved by the managerial authority of the school/ETB, will be allowed. The substitution must be deemed necessary to cover the approved periods of absence of the teacher from teaching duty for attendance at the course.

The number of places available on the two programmes above increased from 338 to 388 in 2025. The Department will seek to further increase the number of places available through the budgetary process.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (305)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

305. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she will ensure a school bus ticket is awarded to a person (details supplied). [67011/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. 

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.  

Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.

Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible pupils.  In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Eireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport as they are not attending their nearest post primary centre. 

An application for transport was received on time for the 2026/27 school year however they were unsuccessful in obtaining a ticket and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.

It is important to note that all seats on a given route are ticketed. There can be instances where tickets are not utilised every day, which is a decision of the ticket holder that can give the impression that a bus is operating with vacant seats.

In the first instance, it is the responsibility of ticket holders to utilise their tickets. While there is no obligation, families are welcome to return their tickets at any stage in cases where they are not using the service as originally intended. Bus Éireann will contact families should a spare seat become available following the return of a ticket that is no longer required.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (306)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

306. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she will ensure a school bus ticket is awarded to a pupil (details supplied). [67009/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. 

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.  

Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.

Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible pupils.  In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann have advised the pupils residing in the area referred to by the Deputy who are attending the post primary centre referred are not eligible since they are not attending their closest post primary centre.

Bus Éireann has further advised that at present there are two services operating from the area referred to the post primary centre referred and that these services are currently operating at capacity.

• Written Answers Nos. 265-285
• Written Answers Nos. 307-331